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See Something Say Something in California

Law Enforcement

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'If You See Something, Say Something'

"If You See Something, Say Something™" is a national campaign that raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement. Informed, alert communities play a critical role in keeping our state safe.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)​ is committed to strengthening hometown security by creating partnerships with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments and the private sector, as well as the communities they serve. The "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign was originally implemented and trademarked by the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority and is licensed to DHS as a nationwide campaign.

The NSI standardizes how these observations are documented and analyzed and ensures that reports are shared with the Federal Bureau of Investigation - led Joint Terrorism Task Forces for investigation and with state Fusion Centers for analysis. Only those reports documenting behavior that is reasonably indicative of terrorist activity will be shared with federal and SLTT partners.

Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or terrorism-related crime. This includes, but is not limited to:

Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.

Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.

Some of these activities could be innocent - it's up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investigation. The activities above are not all-inclusive, but have been compiled based on studies of pre-operational aspects of both successful and thwarted terrorist events over several years.

To report suspicious activity, contact your local law enforcement agency. Describe specifically what you observed, including: Who or what you saw; When you saw it; Where it occurred; and Why it's suspicious.

If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

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